Fare Thee Well, October: Looking Back On My Fall Vacation

The human chessboard at the Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire

Every year I set aside much needed vacation time from my job during the week of Halloween. It is, after all, my favorite time of the year. Like I need a special day on the calendar to celebrate candy and horror movies! But it's far more than that. It's the change of the seasons where the summer air turns crisp and cool, and the fall palette of colors paints everything in hues of red, orange, and gold. 

You perhaps already read about my first day of vacation spent exploring the Shofuso Japanese House and Garden in Fairmount Park. That was a lovely afternoon. The very next day, my newly-engaged sister and her fiancé, my boyfriend and I, my best friend and her family all went to the Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire. 

The royal joust! 

I hadn't been to the Ren Faire in years, and had almost forgotten how much fun it could be exploring the sights and sounds of the 1600s. With so much to see and do, we made an entire day of watching a human chess match, the royal hypnotist, Celtic singers and dancers, and of course the jousting. 

And to celebrate our triumphant return to the Renaissance, this year we decided to dress up.

A Victorian-goth lady and her loyal knight.

And though I thrifted 90% of my costume, I have to admit that my favorite part of the ensemble was that tiny Victorian clip-on hat. I mean, how cute is that?! And while we're not exactly in the same time period, my love for Victorian mourning inspired the costume. And James?  Well he just wanted to be a knight, which fit the Faire nicely. Maybe I'm a time-traveling Victorian witch? Ah oh well!

Here is my head-to-toe look.

Wig: Already owned 

Shoes: Already owned

Jewelry: Already owned

Sheer Black Blouse: $3.50, Goodwill

Black Dress: $6.00, Impact Fashion Outlet
Vintage Parasol: $5, Bryn Athyn Thrift Shop

Fingerless Lace Gloves: $10, Spirit Halloween

Victorian Hat: $10, Spirit Halloween

Me and Sir Goofyface. 

The grand finale of the night at the Ultimate Joust. 

I'm already mentally making plans for our return trip next year. The costumes, the crafts, the food and vendors---it was wonderful. If you find yourself in the area, all vintage enthusiasts, self-proclaimed nerds and Renaissance aficionados should make the trip to the PA Renaissance Faire, which is in season from August-October. And while I might have a slight bias due to my love of all things October, I do recommend going in the fall. There is an added magic in the air, and the fall scenery could't be more beautiful. And... of course, costumes of all kinds are welcome during Halloween weekend. 

A tractor ride to the apple orchard.

And speaking of Halloween, this year I thought it would be fun for James and I to go apple-picking at Styer Orchard. Being a New Jerseyan, he had never been to the beautiful family farm. I make it a point to go every year during my fall vacation. 

A perfect setting for Samhain. 

And I'm sure you can see why. In addition to scoring 4 pounds of golden delicious and staymen-winesap apples, a few miniature pumpkins, and Indian corn all for under $13...the scenery is breathtaking. 

It seemed fitting that I started my vacation with the serene surroundings of the Shofuso House and ended them here---a lovely full circle week. Of course it wouldn't be a real vacation without a few trips to the thrift store, which I found even more fashion to feature in future Secondhand Style posts. And in a sad sort of running joke---it wouldn't be a vacation without a medical setback or two. James spent much of the week sick with a sinus infection from Hell, and I was taken to urgent care only to be told that the sudden  intense pain I had is possibly nerve damage in my right arm. Typical! But we didn't let all that get us too bogged down. 

My new-to-me ultra-mod mug and saucer, $4 from 2nd Avenue Thrift.

And at the end of the night, after giving out buckets and buckets of Halloween candy, we came home where I had myself a big cup of french vanilla coffee while blogging my little heart out.

It had been a big week---full of traditional Japanese culture, the ultimate vintage experience of the Renaissance Faire, a trot through nature, and of course some serious thrift shopping. I suppose that's why this post was such long time coming---that and I've been working nonstop on additional photos and content, all while contending with new pain medication that's making me sorta loopy. But nonetheless I'm glad I had my week off to celebrate my favorite time of the year, and I'm glad that I got to celebrate it with James. 

Oh! And speaking of celebrating, I'd like to thank all of you that participated in the Vintage & Craft Giveaway to the celebrate the 5th blogiversary of Let's Go Thrifting. It truly has been a wonderful five years, and I'm so thankful for the readership and all of the kind words. The winner of the Vintage & Craft giveaway was...Jennifer C! Congratulations, Jennifer.  And thank you all for making Let's Go Thrifting the secondhand community that it has become. 

I hope that all of you had a wonderful October, and a magical Halloween. 
I'd love to hear all about what made your month of October special.

How are you celebrating the fall? 

How To Make A Country Bumpkin Pumpkin

While some people prefer to be elbow-deep in pumpkin guts, I thought I'd try a little something different from carving this Halloween. So I thought to myself, why not use some spray paint?

After picking the perfect pumpkin from Styer Orchard, I decided to take a look at my crafting supply chest and see what I could create with what I already had in stock. I wanted something country chic, something vintage-inspired, something classic. 

Supplies Used:

• Rust-oleum Paint and Primer Spray in Navajo White
• Rust-oleum Spray Grip
• Tiger Bond Extreme Adhesive
• Burlap Ribbon
• Jute 
• Small Wooden Letters
• Mod Podge Acrylic Sealer 
• Latex Gloves 

So I spray painted that pumpkin white. Note that I protected the stem with painter's tape (since I had something crafty in mind for that later). I also ended up doing a light second coat to touch up a few flaws, but was otherwise pretty pleased with the color.

After ample drying time, the pumpkin was ready for some shabby embellishments. I chose a wrap of burlap ribbon for the pumpkin itself, and a wrap of jute for the stem. Believe it  or not, the tiny wooden letters were an afterthought---but one I really like. 

I used Tiger Bond to adhere the burlap to the pumpkin, the letters to the burlap, and to secure the jute wrap to the stem. While at first, the glue seems pliable, Tiger Bond dries to a tight, permanent hold. So, be careful not to glue yourself...to yourself. And protect your working space with wax paper, aluminum foil, or old newspapers.

After all of your decorative additions are dry and secure, try using a light spray of Mod Podge or other brand of protective sealant to better hold everything together, and to keep your design shiny and new. 

Looking for a pumpkin design to use beyond Halloween? Why not try using an autumnal color palette, colorful Fall leaves coated in sealant, or vintage buttons as accents?

As for me, I think I'll keep this one around for a while! 

Thrift Style: How I Became A Vintage Doll

About a month ago, when browsing the racks of Impact Thrift, I found a vintage floral and lace skirt, and I had a brilliant idea. I was going to be a vintage doll for Halloween this year.

It didn't take long to achieve the look. After adding a pair of pink tights, a pink sparkly sweater, a frilly white shirt and a pair flats, I was ready to be a vintage doll.

All I needed was the baby doll wig, some makeup and a spot of tea.

And of course I had to document my doll adventure...

So, thrifters, I bet you're wondering how much this costume cost. Let's tally it up.

Vintage Skirt   $3.00 Impact Thrift

Sweater  never-worn with tags $4.00 2nd Ave

Frilly shirt  already owned $0.00

Brown flats already owed $0.00

Vintage tea cup 50 cents, Impact Thrift

Baby Doll Wig $25.00, Masquerade.

Tights $15.00, Lane Bryant.

Total cost: $47.50

Buuuuttttt....Since I will be wearing the sweater and tights again in the future...(just maybe not together) I'll deduct those off the cost of the costume. Heck, I can even deduct the 50 cent teacup, beings I can use it at home. This makes the final cost for what was solely used for the costume just $28.00!!! So for just under $30 I got to be a thrifty vintage doll this Halloween.  

So what do you think? Do I make a good doll?


Let's Go Thrifting recommends... 

It's Katniss in doll form!

Use Your Braaains... A $10 or Less Costume Idea

Make this Halloween a BYOB. Bring Your Own Brains!

Halloween is the second most expensive holiday in the United States. And we don't even exchange gifts! Between the candy, the costumes and the decorations, it can get pretty costly. 

But if you're looking for something cheap, something easy and something with a little bite... you need to become  a zombie. 

In order to pass as undead you'll need two things...the attitude and the ensemble. So let's first discuss how to get the zombie look. 

1. First, you'll need to dig through your closet for some clothes you don't mind destroying. If you can't part with anything from your wardrobe, take a trip to the thrift store.  I estimate a cheap shirt and pant combo costing an average of $7. Make several tears and holes in these garments. You were attacked by the clawing hands of the undead and you did not survive. It's gonna get messy.
2. The dollar store is your friend. Most dollar stores have a small cosmetics section. Look for eyeshadows in green/gray/light blue and black...something to give you the perfect postmortem look. You might even find a tube of theatrical blood for a buck. If not, those can be bought cheaply elsewhere. 
3. Take a few cotton balls to your eyeshadows and dust over your face and any visible skin. Go dark under the eyes. Zombies don't sleep, so you want those under-eye circles! Don't forget to coat your mouth with a bit of the blood and maybe apply a few liberal squirts to the holes of your clothing. Finally, ladies, muss the hair in an undead up-do that looks like there was a struggle, or simply let it hang in your face. Like I said, it's messy being dead.

Now, as per the zombie attitude...  It's all about the movements and the moaning. Keep the eyes cold and unfocused. Think slow, painful motions combined with an exaggerated stupor. "Like a drunk who's lost a bet."

Since I like to get reaaaallly into Halloween and was acting in a neighborhood haunted house, I invested in edible theatrical blood capsules to dribble from my mouth. (Warning: they taste like cough medicine, but have a pretty horrific effect). I also borrowed a brain from my friend (literally) and gnawed on it a great deal. 

In short, I make a pretty unconvincing undead cannibal. Don't ya think?

Clothes: From my own closet $0

Eyeshadow palette in gray/green/blue: $1 from Dollar Store

Black eyeshadow: $1 from Dollar Store

Cotton balls: $1 from Dollar Store

Theatrical blood: $3 from convenience store

Edible blood capsules $3 from Halloween store

Brain: Free meal

Just Gettin' Dolled Up

Anyone care to venture a guess on what I'm being for Halloween this year? 

...........

Well here's a sneak peek of the thrifted find that inspired the entire costume idea.

And once I get the whole ensemble picture-perfect, you thrifters will be the first to see the finished product. 

Now, don't worry. I have plenty of thrift-friendly costume ideas to go around. So if you're short on some cost-saving costume ideas, click back over in the coming weeks for my series  of Halloween-themed thrift posts.

Who else is planning on hitting the thrift for their Halloween costume this year?